No Shielding Wrongdoers: Sarnaik Orders Action Against Suspended ST Officers in Pune
Swargate, 15th September 2025: Maharashtra Transport Minister and ST Corporation Chairman Pratap Sarnaik on Monday issued strict instructions for immediate action against officials found guilty of dereliction of duty. During his surprise visit to Swargate Bus Stand in Pune, he said that reinstating suspended officials to the same post without disciplinary action amounted to shielding their mistakes, which would not be tolerated anymore.
Recalling the rape incident of February at Swargate Bus Stand that had shaken the entire state, Sarnaik said, “At that time, senior depot managers, a junior depot manager, and two assistant traffic inspectors were suspended and departmental inquiries were initiated. I had personally made a statement in the Assembly assuring strict action. It was expected that once the inquiry was completed and if the officials were found guilty, necessary disciplinary action would follow. However, instead of ensuring impartial inquiries by transferring them elsewhere, the regional manager reinstated them at the same post. This sends a wrong message to society and undermines the assurance given in the Assembly.”
The minister added that a show-cause notice will be issued to the concerned regional manager, and the officials who were reinstated at Swargate after suspension will now be immediately transferred to other locations.
During the inspection,Sarnaik also reviewed the passenger waiting area, toilets, and rest facilities for drivers and conductors. He interacted with commuters and staff, listened to their complaints and suggestions, and directed officials to take prompt corrective measures.
